Deaconess Bettie Mae (Rawles) Edwards

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father;

take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

~ Matthew 25: 34

Today, we honor and remember the life and legacy of our beloved Bettie Mae Rawles Edwards, affectionately known as “Lucy,” who peacefully departed this life on Saturday, May 31st, 2025. She was born on Thursday, June 11th, 1942, in Jackson, North Carolina, to the late Wilson and Bettie Rawles.

From a young age, Bettie displayed a deep and abiding faith. She joined and was baptized at Roanoke Chapel Baptist Church, located in the Occoneechee Township section of Northampton County, North Carolina.

Bettie, lovingly called “Lucy” by her family and friends, was educated in the Northampton County School System and graduated from Gumberry High School in 1960. It was during her time at Gumberry that she met the love of her life, Purnell Edwards. After graduation, Bettie moved to Long Island, New York, to begin her career as a Domestic Specialist. Within a year, Purnell followed her to New York, and the two began a life together in New Jersey, marrying on June 24th, 1961. Their union was blessed with two children: Valerie and Purnell, Jr., the latter born on their third wedding anniversary.

In 1968, the Edwards family settled in Lakewood, New Jersey, where they built a loving home and strong community ties. Bettie became a devoted member of Sixth Street Baptist Church, where she served faithfully on the Deaconess Board and the Kitchen Committee. During this time, she also worked for Molecule Wire in Wall Township for 20 years before retiring. Ever dedicated and talented, she earned her cosmetology license from Wilford Academy in Brick, New Jersey.

Bettie was widely known and deeply loved for her warmth, hospitality, and especially her southern cooking. She brought family and friends together for Thanksgiving, Christmas, summer gatherings, and Sunday dinners. Her culinary specialties included tomato pudding, grated sweet potato pudding, chicken and dumplings, fried chicken, pan cornbread, macaroni salad, sweet potato pies, peach cobbler, bread pudding, pound cakes, and many more cherished dishes.

In 1995, Bettie and Purnell began preparing for retirement and ultimately returned to North Carolina in 2000. There, they became members of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, where Bettie served as First Lady, Deaconess, choir member, and active member of the Kitchen Committee. She was a welcoming and loving presence who helped make Bethlehem feel like home to all who entered.

Bettie now rejoins her parents and beloved siblings: Eula Mara, Mary Jean, Wilson Jr., Raymond, James, Ronnie, Ned, and Joseph Rawles; and her in-laws: Baileyard, Wayne, and Vernon Edwards, Madeline, and Barbara Rawles. May they all find joy in the eternal presence of the Lord.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith, cherished by her devoted husband of 64 years, Reverend Purnell Edwards, Sr., and their children: Valerie Cousins and Purnell Edwards, Jr. (Merry). Her memory lives on in her treasured grandchildren: Jarrett Tyron (Angie), Jeremy Eli Sr. (Ainka), Ian Purnell (Nodia), Evan Vaughn, and Adrian Darryl, as well as her adopted grandson, Sean Butterfield. Her great-grandchildren include: Cameron Purnell, Jarrett Tyron II, Arielle Elisabeth, Evan Vaughn, Elijah, Skyler Brooke, E’liyah Nicole, Juliette Elisa, Jeremy Eli Jr., and Jazel Marie.

She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters: Leonia Smith (William) and Gloria Rawles; brothers: John Rawles, Jerry Rawles (Gwen); and her uncle: Robert Roscoe. Her extended family includes in-laws: Helen Rawles, Sylvia Rawles, Hermione Rawles, Chan Sumlar, Jean Edwards, Linda Edwards, Montria Lee McCoy, Emma McPhail, Gail Davis (Emmit), Agaron Davis (Wayne), and Lorenzo Edwards, Jr. (Patricia).

She also leaves behind beloved godchildren: Robin Langford, Tina Boone (Torian), Corey Gee, and Aaron Bradon Boykins; attentive nieces: Vivian Grady, Jackie McCoy, Sherry Stephenson; her nephew Yaron Muhammad; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. A special thank you goes to Rose Robert, Bettie’s compassionate caregiver in her later years.

Bettie Mae Rawles Edwards lived a life of purpose, grace, and deep devotion to her faith, family, and community. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Deaconess Edwards' tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Deaconess Bettie Mae Rawles Edwards.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

***TO ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY,

PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED***

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